Hisense AX5140Q Soundbar Review: Immersive Sound That Packs a Punch

While the Hisense AX5140Q offers great value—under $400 for a full surround sound experience—there are noticeable sound balance issues. The bass often dominates, overshadowing other frequencies, which may disappoint audiophiles expecting higher sound fidelity.

Pros

• Rich, powerful bass response

• Engaging, immersive sound for action scenes

• Warm low-pitched vocals

• Excellent sound direction akin to a cinema

• Quick and easy setup

Cons

• Limited sound customization options

• Distortion at high volumes

• Bass can overwhelm the overall soundstage

• Rear speakers inactive during music playback

• Sound balance can be inconsistent

• No Wi-Fi or app support

Investing in a surround sound system can transform your living space into a cinema. While many options are pricey, the Hisense AX5140Q, priced at $349.99 on Amazon, stands out as an affordable alternative. It boasts up-firing speakers and robust bass designed for an enveloping audio experience.

Quick Summary

The Hisense AX5140Q features one of the most expansive soundstages I've encountered, producing sound so powerful it vibrates the walls. Its loudness is a major highlight, enveloping the room like a theater.

The directional audio is commendable, providing clarity on sound origins, accurately reflecting onscreen events. However, while the sound is big, it can lack nuance, with bass overpowering finer details and mids and highs occasionally sounding muddled. Limited sound customization means this system suits those who enjoy booming bass and action movies.

For those seeking a more refined audio experience, consider the Samsung HW-QS750F surround system or the Bose Smart Ultra soundbar, both delivering richer sound quality.

Specifications of Hisense AX5140Q

Setup of Hisense AX5140Q

The setup consists of a 41-inch soundbar, an external subwoofer, and two rear speakers, all neatly packed. Initial setup may seem daunting, but it was straightforward. The subwoofer and rear speakers linked wirelessly, simplifying the process after connecting the soundbar with HDMI and power cables.

However, the short power cords for the rear speakers may necessitate an extension lead if outlets aren't nearby. Notably, the AX5140Q lacks Wi-Fi, so all adjustments rely on the soundbar remote. Unfortunately, my unit was missing the remote, preventing me from testing some features fully.

Fortunately, the ARC/CEC feature allows the TV remote to control volume easily.

Design and Features of Hisense AX5140Q

The AX5140Q's 5.1.4 channel setup includes five horizontal channels, a subwoofer, and four up-firing speakers, creating a captivating sound experience. Though the rear speakers deliver subtle sound, they contribute to a surrounding audio environment. The slim subwoofer is space-efficient while producing deep bass.

With a width of 41.9 inches, ensure your TV stand has enough space for the soundbar, or consider wall-mounting it for a cleaner look. Each speaker features a durable fabric cover, providing a cohesive aesthetic suitable for various living room styles.

The soundbar's fabric cover has a slight curve, enhancing its luxurious appearance while aiding sound directionality. App compatibility would enhance functionality, as my test unit's missing remote limited my ability to adjust settings.

Although it lacks Wi-Fi, Bluetooth pairing is quick and reliable. Like premium soundbars, the Hisense AX5140Q includes 'Room Fitting Tuning' for audio optimization, though it works only with specific Hisense TVs, limiting my testing capabilities. The soundbar displays the active source in soft blue text, which is useful but could be distracting in a darkened room.

Sound Quality for TV and Movies

The Hisense AX5140Q offers an impressive directional soundstage, with clear audio that can rival a cinema. The rich bass enhances thrilling scenes, making vocals sound warm, though it occasionally drowns out mids and trebles, resulting in an unbalanced experience.

Starting with Arrested Development, I noticed the audio felt complete, but lacked fullness. I found myself increasing the volume to achieve the impact delivered by other soundbars, even single-speaker models like the Sonos Arc Ultra.

High bass and weak treble were evident during dialogue. While the music was stellar, featuring deep kick drums and brass, the overall clarity suffered, particularly with high-pitched tones sounding tinny during quieter moments. The Samsung HW-QS750F provided better sound customization through its app.

In Princess Mononoke, the spatial sound impressed, accurately depicting movement. The sound balance improved, with appropriate volume levels and voice clarity.

However, during Our Planet, the mids and trebles became raspy again, which detracted from the overall experience. Despite these issues, music sounded delightful, showcasing a rich soundstage when layered compositions were played.

During action sequences in John Wick Chapter 2, the bass delivered an intense experience, allowing me to feel every impact without overwhelming other effects. This acoustic balance extended to films like Avengers: Infinity War and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, enhancing the immersive experience.

Sound Quality for Music